New York Architect Faces Additional Murder Charge Related to Gilgo Beach Killings
In Riverhead, New York, an architect named Rex Heuermann has been formally charged with the murder of a seventh victim associated with the infamous Gilgo Beach killings. Heuermann, who has already been indicted for the deaths of six other women, entered a plea of not guilty regarding the death of Valerie Mack.
Valerie Mack, a 24-year-old escort from Philadelphia, was last seen by her family in New Jersey in 2000. Her skeletal remains were initially discovered in Manorville, New York, with additional remains found over a decade later approximately 50 miles away in Gilgo Beach. It was not until 2020, through genetic testing, that authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Mack.
Prosecutors have stated that human hair found with Mack’s remains was tested earlier this year and is likely linked to Heuermann’s daughter, who was a toddler at the time of Mack’s death. It is important to note that the daughter is not suspected of any involvement in the crimes.
Heuermann, aged 61, was already facing charges for the murders of six other women, whose remains were found on Long Island. He has denied all accusations.
“The lives of these women matter,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized during a news conference with families of the victims. “No one understands that more than the families.”
Although Mack’s parents did not speak publicly, other victims’ families offered their condolences and support. Gloria Allred, representing several victims’ families, stated, “They were, and they are, loved. And they are missed every day by those who knew them and who had a strong bond with them.”
Outside the courtroom, Heuermann’s lawyer, Michael Brown, questioned the reliability of the DNA evidence connecting the killings to his client. Brown argued that the DNA technology utilized has not been validated in a New York court and criticized the lack of evidence directly linking victim DNA to Heuermann’s home.
The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders began in 2010, triggered by the discovery of 10 sets of human remains along a barrier island parkway. The case, spanning over multiple police administrations and more than 1,000 tips, has raised concerns about a potential serial killer.
Heuermann was apprehended on July 13, 2023, and initially charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello. Additional charges for the murders of Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Jessica Taylor, and Sandra Costilla were filed earlier this year.
Prosecutors allege that a document found in Heuermann’s home suggests he meticulously planned the killings, with references to locations and materials that align with Mack’s case.
Recent searches of Heuermann’s home and office have uncovered magazines and newspapers about the Gilgo Beach investigation, which prosecutors suspect were kept as “souvenirs” or “mementos.” These included a New York Post article from 2003 about the investigation into Mack and Taylor’s remains.
While evidence points to Heuermann’s residence as the crime scene, his estranged wife, Asa Ellerup, and their children continue to express disbelief in his involvement, opting to let the legal process play out.
Authorities have yet to charge anyone for several other Long Island remains, including those of an unidentified male victim and Karen Vergata, whose remains were identified through DNA analysis in 2022.
